A number of hours after Crimson Bull broke the information, Audi has confirmed that Jonathan Wheatley is to be its Staff Principal.
Wheatley’s profession in Components 1 began again within the early Nineties at Benetton, the place he rose to develop into chief mechanic. He then moved to the newly based Crimson Bull Racing staff, the place has been profitable as Sporting Director. In his time at Crimson Bull, Wheatley has been concerned in profitable all six constructors’ and 7 drivers’ titles.
Mattia Binotto and Wheatley will collectively head the brand new administration staff at Sauber Motorsport AG. Of their new positions, each will report on to Gernot Dollner in his position as Chairman of the Board of Administrators of Sauber Motorsport AG. They are going to collectively take accountability for the success of the racing staff. There’s a clear division of duties, and tasks have been individually outlined.
As COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto takes over the operative administration of Sauber Motorsport AG on the website in Hinwil and the technical improvement of the long run racing automobiles. On this position he’s the general technical interface between the event groups in Hinwil and Audi Components Racing GmbH on the Audi website in Neuburg an der Donau, which is chargeable for improvement of the facility unit.
By July 2025 on the newest – Wheatley will full Audi’s new administration staff for Components 1 within the position of Staff Principal and administration spokesperson. He’ll focus above all on the racing efficiency of the long run F1 manufacturing facility staff, on operational administration of all race occasions, and on representing Audi at Staff-Principal degree in issues referring to Components 1.
The choice in favour of a twin administration staff is a part of the realignment of the management construction of the long run manufacturing facility staff within the context of the total takeover of all shares within the Sauber Group by Audi. “With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we now have taken a decisive step in direction of our entry into Components 1,” mentioned Dollner. “I’m satisfied that with the 2 of them, we now have been capable of mix an especially excessive degree of competence for Audi. Their expertise and their capacity will assist us to get a foothold rapidly within the powerful aggressive world of Components 1.”
“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of the Crimson Bull Racing journey during the last eighteen years and can depart with many fond recollections,” added Wheatley. “Nonetheless, the chance to play an energetic half in Audi’s entry into Components 1 as head of a manufacturing facility staff is a uniquely thrilling prospect, and I’m trying ahead to the problem.
“Additionally I’m glad to be working along with Mattia, whom I’ve identified for a few years and who’s the appropriate individual to collaborate with on this thrilling mission.”
“I’ve identified Jonathan for a few years and price him extremely as an skilled and dedicated motorsport professional,” mentioned Binotto. “2026 isn’t a very long time away now, and I am trying ahead to establishing the brand new racing staff for Audi together with Jonathan and main it to success.”
